Amavasya 2019: New Moon Dates Calendar

Amavasya refers to no moon day. There are four phases of the Moon- no moon/ New Moon, waxing Moon phase, Full Moon (Purnima), and waning Moon phase. Amavasya occurs when no light of the Sun is reflected by the Moon and as a result, we are unable to see Moon in the sky. There is one Amavasya in each month of the Hindu Calendar. The dates of Amavasya for the year 2019 are given below in tabulated form:

Amavasya 2019 Dates

According to the amānta māna calendar, which is used in some places, the Lunar month starts on the day of the New Moon, which makes Amavasya the last day of the lunar month. While according to the Purnimanta calendar, Amavasya falls in the mid of the month. People fast on Amavasya to get good results. It might be a startling fact for you that Amavasya used to be a monthly off in the olden Hindu society.

Significance of Purnima

“It is darkest before dawn” and so is the case with Amavasya because it gives rise to the brighter fortnight, during which the size of the Moon keeps increasing till it becomes the Full Moon again. Amavasya is that Tithi of the Hindu Calendar, which marks the end of Krishna Paksha, also known as darker fortnight. Also, the next day after Amavasya marks the beginning of the Shukla Paksha, also known as brighter fortnight or waxing phase of the Moon.

It is considered that the people who are born on Amavasya are intelligent and generally attain a long life. Such people should make sure that their intelligence is directed in the positive direction and not misused. It is believed that the different phases of the moon affect a person's life in different ways. The underlying reason for this change of behaviour is the gravitational pull of the moon.

Amavasya is regarded to be the day when you can transcend. It has been observed that people surpass their limits on the day of Amavasya. Those who are mentally unstable become more unstable, the things that are evil become more evil and so on. Comprehending from the energy changes that take place on Amavasya, it is believed that Amavasya is a blessing in disguise for spiritual seekers as they can enhance their energies on this day.

Diwali

Diwali is celebrated on the Amavasya of the Kartik month (Kartik Amavasya). It is the most auspicious of all the Amavasyas. It is on Diwali that the lights bright up the dark night without moon. On this auspicious day, Puja is performed and people celebrate the victory Lord Rama’s return to his kingdom and home, Ayodhya after the 14 year long exile. Goddess Kali is also worshipped on this day as she is the destroyer of evil and it is believed that evil forces are much intense and stronger during no moon days.

Mahalaya Amavasya

The Amavasya that occurs fifteen days prior to Navratri is known as Mahalaya. It is also known as Sarvapitri Amavasya. It occurs during the Pitru Paksha. It is a time devoted to offer prayers for the souls of deceased ancestors and forefathers. It is believed that Lord Vishnu himself said that the souls of deceased ancestors pay a visit and should be offered food and prayers, failing which they get offended.

The Mahalaya Amavasya is a blessing for us as it lets us connect with our deceased ancestors and strengthen our bond. Holy practices such as doing Tarpan at home, performing Pind Daan, Pitra Bhoj, and reading holy scriptures are a part of this day.

Temple Visits

It is believed that visiting temples on the day of Amavasya helps to gain peace of mind. Seeking the blessings of Gods and Goddesses help to protect oneself from evil forces.

Holy dips in water

Taking baths in sacred water on Amavasya helps one to get rid of sins. Such holy activities help to keep problems at bay.

Know about Indian Festivals & Important Dates: Calendar 2019

Amavasya Somvati

If an Amavasya falls on Monday, it is considered to be highly auspicious. Such Amavasya are known as Amavasya Somvati and the fast observed is known as Somavara Amavasya Vrat. It is believed that that the spouse and the progeny of the observer of this fast are blessed with good health and long life.

It is believed that if one observes the fast of Amavasya on Monday, there is a racing certainty that all the wishes of the observer may be fulfilled.

The other side of the coin

Like there are two facets of everything, Amavasya is no exception. It is believed that evil forces and evil spirits become stronger on this day. Most of the Tantriks perform Tantra on this day. This day holds immense importance for the ones who are seeking liberalisation. Black magic is widely performed on Amavasya. Starting new projects and setting foot on a journey is generally not recommended on Amavasya.

Difference between Purnima and Amavasya

• No part of the Moon is visible on Amavasya while full Moon is visible on Purnima.
• Amavasya marks the beginning of the Shukla Paksha, whereas Purnima marks the beginning of the Krishna Paksha.
• It is advised to avoid starting activities on Amavasya, while doing so is encouraged on Purnima.
• The energy that Amavasya has is different from the positive energy that Purnima disseminate.

We hope that the dark nights of Amavasya bring beautiful mornings for you. We wish you all the best from AstroCAMP!